Lawrence, Thanks for opening the discussion on The Kenya Information & Communications (Amendment) Bill 2025 <http://www.parliament.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-05/The%20Kenya%20Information%20and%20Communications%20%28amendment%29%20Bill%2C%202025.pdf> and for the contributions by Kinyanjui and Steve. I encourage everyone to review the bill and contribute to this much-needed discussion. Let's amplify our voices and ensure the final legislation reflects the needs of the vibrant digital community that we've worked hard to grow as Kenyans. Best, *Jacinta Wothaya* On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 10:16 AM Wasilwa Steve via KICTANet < [email protected]> wrote:
*Subject:* Implications of the Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on the Common Citizen
Dear KICTAnet Members,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding the *Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2025*, which is currently under consideration. While the bill appears to address regulatory gaps in the information and communications sector, several provisions—if passed and enacted—may have *far-reaching consequences for the common citizen*, particularly in relation to constitutional freedoms, media independence, and access to secure communication channels. Key Implications for the Common Mwananchi:
1.
*Chilling Effect on Press Freedom and Public Accountability* The bill proposes punitive fines of up to *KSh 20 million for media houses* and *KSh 1 million for individual journalists*, alongside the risk of suspension or deregistration. These sanctions are likely to promote *self-censorship* in the media, diminishing the public's access to critical reporting, especially on governance, corruption, and service delivery issues that directly affect everyday life. 2.
*Suppression of Civic Voices and Whistleblowers* In an environment where journalists and media outlets are under threat, *civil society actors, community voices, and whistleblowers* may hesitate to speak out or share information publicly, reducing the avenues through which citizens hold leaders accountable. 3.
*Erosion of Constitutional Rights* The bill raises serious questions about *compliance with Article 34 of the Constitution*, which guarantees freedom of the press. If these rights are weakened through legislation, ordinary citizens lose one of their most powerful tools for civic engagement and democratic participation. 4.
*Loosening SIM Card Registration Rules – A Double-Edged Sword* While the removal of restrictions on SIM card hawking may support informal economy players, it also *opens the door to misuse of unregistered lines*, potentially increasing cybercrime, identity theft, and fraudulent mobile money transactions that disproportionately affect low-income earners and vulnerable users. 5.
*Decline in Trust in Public Institutions* A heavily regulated media landscape controlled by state mechanisms may lead to *reduced public trust in the credibility of information*, limiting informed decision-making and widening the digital divide.
A Call for a Citizen-Centric Approach
As members of Kenya’s vibrant ICT policy community, I believe we have a shared responsibility to *defend digital rights, promote inclusive regulation*, and advocate for legislative frameworks that *strengthen—not suppress—citizen empowerment*.
I urge this forum to continue amplifying civic voices, interrogating the constitutionality of the bill’s provisions, and engaging policy makers with reasoned, evidence-based recommendations. Let us work toward legislation that protects citizens, upholds press freedom, and secures the digital public square.
Warm regards, Steve Wasilwa- MSc. MBA Board Member -REDO Kenya
On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 9:45 PM Lawrence Muchilwa via KICTANet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hey Listers...
The proposed changes regarding usage of meters are misinformed, counter productive.
ISP already keep track of connections to an extent. The system isn't without gaps but existing gaps can better be address by eg more adoption of IPv6,instead of this retrogressive approach that will increase connectivity overhead,making Internet access more expensive,reduce number of users on the net, effectively undermining any digital transformation, adoption and progress.
Link to bill:
http://www.parliament.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-05/The%20Kenya%20Inform...
with kind regards Muchilwa Lawrence https://overwatch.or.ke www.testmyids.ke _______________________________________________ KICTANet mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] Unsubscribe or change your options at: https://mm3-lists.kictanet.or.ke/mm/lists/kictanet.lists.kictanet.or.ke/ Archived at: https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/archives/list/[email protected]/mes...
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KICTANet is a multi-stakeholder Think Tank for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. KICTANet is a catalyst for reform in the Information and Communication Technology sector. Its work is guided by four pillars of Policy Advocacy, Capacity Building, Research, and Stakeholder Engagement.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
PRIVACY POLICY: See https://mm3-lists.kictanet.or.ke/mm/lists/kictanet.lists.kictanet.or.ke/
KICTANet - The Power of Communities, is Kenya's premier ICT policy engagement platform.